Housing Crisis in Cologne: How the Mülheim District is Responding to Social Challenges

Housing Crisis and Homelessness Support: Unanimously Decided, but Not a Long-Term Solution?

The housing crisis in Cologne remains a central issue. At the beginning of February, the district of Mülheim unanimously decided to make vacant apartments in the GAG housing estate on Adolf-Kober- and Moses-Hess Streets available to the homeless. The decision came under pressure from the left-wing faction, which had mainly criticized the insufficient support provided during winter.

Despite the unanimous approval, the measure remains temporary and symptomatic. The GAG estate has limited capacity, and the long-term housing shortage remains unresolved. Moreover, political support for the widespread use of vacant housing for the homeless is not shared by all factions – the AfD abstained during the vote.

Addiction Support Center: Model City Cologne or Deviation from the Zurich Model?

Another key focus was the planning of an addiction support center on Perlengraben/Wilhelm-Hoßdorf Street. A budget of 150,000 euros for preliminary planning and 8,800 euros for communication measures was set to define the basic need. The facility is intended to operate according to the so-called “Zurich Model,” in which drug consumption takes place in protected spaces to promote harm reduction.

The debate was highly polarized: While the SPD and Greens supported the project, the AfD criticized the deviation from the Zurich Model and instead advocated for strict repression. The CDU called for professional mediation with local residents to prevent conflicts.

The construction of the center by a general contractor and the inclusion of cultural aspects through an inter-factional supplementary motion show that the city of Cologne is also attempting to address both the medical and the social and cultural dimensions here.

Intercultural Integration: Supporting Centers and Networks

In the area of integration, the district of Mülheim advocated for the stabilization of existing intercultural centers and the promotion of new projects. For 2026, 764,301 euros were allocated for 43 intercultural centers. The funds are distributed according to the size of the facilities, with larger centers receiving stronger support.

Additionally, the network of Senior Networks in Cologne is being expanded, with an aim to rebuild existing structures to stabilize them. The support for hardship cases and the integration of intercultural and diverse aspects into all projects show that the city of Cologne understands integration not merely as a service, but as a structural task.

Queer Policy: From Networks to Cultural Participation

Queer policy in Cologne remains a priority. The City Working Group on Queer Policy is planning a retreat to restructure and supports events such as the International Day Against Homo-, Bi-, Inter-, Trans- and Asexophobia. A budget of 3,700 euros for technology and personnel ensures financial security for participation in such initiatives.

In addition, the study “Queer through NRW” with a special analysis for Cologne is being presented, and the living conditions of homeless queer individuals are coming into focus. The Fast-Track City status in the fight against HIV/AIDS is another example of Cologne’s pioneering role in queer policy.

Conclusion: Social Hotspots in Focus – but Solutions Remain Elusive

In February 2026, the district of Mülheim made a number of decisions addressing social, housing, and traffic-related issues. The response to the housing crisis, integration, and queer policy show that Cologne is actively engaging with these topics. Nevertheless, many solutions remain temporary, symptomatic, or stuck in debate. The long-term stabilization of social structures and the expansion of housing remain challenges for the future.